Locally-based firm <a href="http://www.sparanomooney.com/" target="_blank">Sparano + Mooney</a> took inspiration from the Aspen tree when they came up with their beautiful and thoughtful proposal for the <a href="http://www.kimballartcenter.org/" target="_blank">Kimball Art Center</a> in Park City, UT. Where <a href="http://inhabitat.com/brooks-scarpa-conjure-up-an-airy-cloud-like-form-for-the-kimball-art-center-renovation/">Brooks + Scarpa</a> and <a href="http://inhabitat.com/big-proposes-twisting-timber-eco-tower-for-the-kimball-art-center-in-park-city/">BIG's</a> designs are more about show and creating a visual landmark, Sparano + Mooney chose a more understated route to create a timeless and elegant space. The Aspen (whose root system has created the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pando_(tree)" target="_blank">largest living organism in the world</a>) is the basis for the design, which evokes the history of the area and the potential reach of the art center in the community and beyond. Characterized by a wall of fritted glass featuring aspen trunks and covered in a photovoltaic skin, the new addition to the center would be filled with light and nature.

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Kimball Art Center-Sparano Mooney Architecture

Sparano + Mooney, who have worked both locally and internationally, take inspiration from the Aspen tree, which is found throughout Utah and is a favorite for its beautiful fall colors.

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Kimball Art Center-Sparano Mooney Architecture

The Aspen grows by extending its root system to shoot up new trees, which is like how the Kimball Art Center extends its influence and connects with the surrounding art community.

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Kimball Art Center-Sparano Mooney Architecture

Wood sourced from <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mountain_pine_beetle#Tree_infestations" target="_blank">beetle-kill deforestation</a> in the local area will be used as both decoration as well as structural members to give a sense of being in the forest and surrounded by nature.

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Kimball Art Center-Sparano Mooney Architecture

The design also calls to mind western vernacular log cabins and shows how materials can be transformed to create a wholly unique spatial experience.

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Kimball Art Center-Sparano Mooney Architecture

The lower level of the center will be devoted to education through classrooms, art studios and workshop space available to members of the community, local and visiting artists.

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Kimball Art Center-Sparano Mooney Architecture

The historic facility will be transformed into office and administration spaces for the staff of the Kimball along with a full catering kitchen. Meanwhile, the new facility will feature the gallery and exhibition spaces.

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Kimball Art Center-Sparano Mooney Architecture

The new upper level is the main gallery space and enjoys access to the rooftop deck and the rooftop terrace along with views of town.

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Kimball Art Center-Sparano Mooney Architecture

The ground floor serves as the living room of the area and welcomes visitors in to enjoy the art and the activities with a cafe and retail space.

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Kimball Art Center-Sparano Mooney Architecture

Urban site plan.

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Kimball Art Center-Sparano Mooney Architecture

Circulation and material plan.

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Kimball Art Center-Sparano Mooney Architecture

Program plan.

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Kimball Art Center-Sparano Mooney Architecture

Flexible space allows for multiple events at a time.

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Kimball Art Center-Sparano Mooney Architecture

Cross section viewed from the South.

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Kimball Art Center-Sparano Mooney Architecture

Cross section viewed from the East.

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Kimball Art Center-Sparano Mooney Architecture

Location of outdoor spaces.

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Kimball Art Center-Sparano Mooney Architecture

Sustainable design is also at the root of Sparano + Mooney's proposed facility and explores a number of ways to increase the efficiency of the existing facility as well as to ensure the addition is making a positive impact in town.

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Kimball Art Center-Sparano Mooney Architecture

The historic building is in need of basic upgrades in order to meet with new codes, but it also needs significant envelope upgrades in the way of sealing, insulation and structural support.

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Kimball Art Center-Sparano Mooney Architecture

Lower level floor plan.

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Kimball Art Center-Sparano Mooney Architecture

Ground level floor plan.

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Kimball Art Center-Sparano Mooney Architecture

Upper level floor plan.

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Kimball Art Center-Sparano Mooney

Building model at the Kimball Art Center.

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Kimball Art Center-Sparano Mooney

Building model at the Kimball Art Center.

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Kimball Art Center-Sparano Mooney

Building model at the Kimball Art Center.

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Kimball Art Center-Sparano Mooney

Building model at the Kimball Art Center.

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Kimball Art Center-Sparano Mooney

Building model at the Kimball Art Center.

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Kimball Art Center-Sparano Mooney

Building model at the Kimball Art Center.

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Kimball Art Center-Sparano Mooney

Building model at the Kimball Art Center.

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Kimball Art Center-Sparano Mooney Architecture

Locally-based firm Sparano + Mooney took inspiration from the Aspen tree when they came up with their beautiful and thoughtful proposal for the Kimball Art Center in Park City, UT. Where Brooks + Scarpa and BIG's designs are more about show and creating a visual landmark, Sparano + Mooney chose a more understated route to create a timeless and elegant space. The Aspen (whose root system has created the largest living organism in the world) is the basis for the design, which evokes the history of the area and the potential reach of the art center in the community and beyond. Characterized by a wall of fritted glass featuring aspen trunks and covered in a photovoltaic skin, the new addition to the center would be filled with light and nature.